The MLB at Field of Dreams game stands as one of the most cherished and unique events in modern baseball. Held in the rolling cornfields of Dyersville, Iowa—right next to the iconic site where the 1989 film Field of Dreams was shot—this special regular-season matchup blends the sport’s timeless appeal with Hollywood nostalgia, family bonds, and pure magic. It’s not just a game; it’s a celebration of baseball’s roots, evoking memories of backyard catch sessions, generational stories, and the simple joy of the game.
What makes this event so powerful is its ability to remind fans that baseball transcends statistics and standings—it’s about connection, hope, and the dreams that endure. Since its debut in 2021, it has drawn massive attention, record viewership, and emotional resonance, proving why MLB continues to bring it back.
What is the Field of Dreams Game?
The event has been held twice so far, with a highly anticipated return in 2026.
- 2021: Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees (August 12) The inaugural game was a thriller. The White Sox won 9-8 on a dramatic walk-off home run by Tim Anderson. Kevin Costner delivered a heartfelt pregame introduction, and the cornfield entrance set the tone. It became MLB’s most-watched regular-season game in 16 years, with nearly 6 million viewers, earning “Sports Event of the Year” honors and a Sports Emmy.
- 2022: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds (August 11) The Cubs won 4-2 in a more subdued but still magical contest. Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and his father emerged from the corn together, symbolizing the film’s father-son theme. Viewership dipped to about 3.1 million (still the season’s top regular-season audience), partly due to less drama and competing NFL preseason games.
No games were held in 2023–2025 due to site renovations (including a new permanent stadium and youth complex) and other special MLB events. The tradition returns in 2026 with the Minnesota Twins hosting the Philadelphia Phillies on August 13, broadcast live on Netflix as part of MLB’s new streaming deals.
The tradition returns in 2026 with the Minnesota Twins hosting the Philadelphia Phillies on August 13. This will be a Twins home game, part of a three-game series (with an off-day on August 14 before resuming in Minneapolis). The game will stream live on Netflix as part of MLB’s new broadcast partnership.
A Minor League matchup will precede it: the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) hosting the St. Paul Saints (Twins’ affiliate) on August 11.
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Connection to the Movie Field of Dreams
The 1989 film Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner as Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, tells the story of a man who hears a voice urging him to build a baseball field in his cornfield. Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) and his wife Annie (Amy Madigan) live a quiet life on their Iowa farm with their young daughter Karin (Gaby Hoffmann). One night, Ray hears a voice whispering, “If you build it, he will come.” Trusting his instincts, he plows under part of his corn crop to construct a pristine baseball diamond.
Soon, the ghost of disgraced baseball legend Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) appears, along with other legendary players from the past. As Ray follows the voice’s further instructions, he embarks on a quest that leads him to meet reclusive author Terence Mann (James Earl Jones) and the elderly Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham (Burt Lancaster in his final film role). The story builds to a deeply moving climax involving Ray’s estranged relationship with his late father, exploring themes of forgiveness, family bonds, and the idea that some dreams transcend time and death.
The film’s famous line, “If you build it, he will come,” has become iconic, symbolizing faith in the impossible.
MLB drew inspiration from this to create a real-world event that captures the film’s spirit. A temporary stadium (now upgraded to a permanent facility) was built adjacent to the original movie field, seating around 8,000 fans. The unique entrance—players emerging from towering corn stalks—mirrors the film’s iconic scene, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that feels like stepping into the movie itself.
Cast and Crew
- Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella – Fresh off Bull Durham, Costner brings grounded intensity and quiet wonder to the role.
- Amy Madigan as Annie Kinsella – The supportive wife who believes in Ray’s vision.
- James Earl Jones as Terence Mann – A cynical writer whose life changes after joining Ray’s journey.
- Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe Jackson – The ghostly ballplayer who embodies redemption.
- Burt Lancaster as Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham – In a poignant final performance.
- Director/Screenwriter: Phil Alden Robinson
- Cinematography: John Lindley – Capturing Iowa’s golden-hour beauty.
- Score: James Horner – The swelling, nostalgic music elevates every emotional beat.
The First Field of Dreams Game (2021)
The debut game instantly became an MLB classic.
- Teams: Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
- Result: White Sox won 9–8 on a dramatic walk-off homer by Tim Anderson.
- Special Moments:
- Players emerged from the cornfield, mirroring the film.
- Actor Kevin Costner, star of the movie, gave a moving introduction.
- The atmosphere felt part movie premiere, part playoff game.
The success was so overwhelming that MLB confirmed it would not be a one-time event.
Why Fans Love the Field of Dreams Game
What makes this game different from a regular MLB matchup?
- Nostalgia: It revives memories of the film and simpler times.
- Unique Atmosphere: Cornfields, wooden fences, and a small crowd create a once-in-a-lifetime setting.
- Family Bonds: The theme of fathers, sons, and shared memories resonates strongly.
- Pure Baseball: Away from giant stadiums, the game feels raw, authentic, and rooted in tradition.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Critics praised the film’s heartfelt sentimentality and bold imagination. Roger Ebert gave it a perfect four stars, calling it “a movie about dreams.” It holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 65 reviews) and a 7.5/10 on IMDb.
The movie earned three Academy Award nominations in 1990:
- Best Picture
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Original Score
It was also selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2017 for its cultural significance.
Filming Locations and Lasting Impact
Most of the film was shot in and around Dyersville, Iowa, on the Lansing family farm (now the official Field of Dreams Movie Site). The iconic baseball diamond in the cornfield remains a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually who can walk the field, play catch, and relive the magic.
Additional scenes were filmed in Dubuque, Iowa; Galena, Illinois; and Fenway Park in Boston.
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The 2022 Game: Cubs vs. Reds
The second edition took place in August 2022.
- Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
- Result: Cubs won 4–2.
- Special Moments:
- Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and his father emerged from the cornfield, symbolizing the father-son bond.
- Families in attendance—and those watching at home—felt the theme of the movie come alive again.
Is the Field of Dreams Game Every Year?
Not always. In 2023, the event was skipped due to construction at the site. But MLB has stated that the game will likely return in future seasons.
Some fans suggest adding new features like:
- Minor league games in Dyersville
- Home Run Derby contests in the cornfield
- Even hosting an All-Star event there
The unpredictability only adds to the mystique.
The Impact on Baseball
The Field of Dreams Game has done more than just entertain—it has strengthened baseball culture:
- Attracts new fans: People who loved the movie but rarely watch baseball tune in.
- Boosts Iowa’s economy: Local businesses thrive during the event.
- Massive media coverage: It becomes a trending topic on TV and social media.
- Reconnects with baseball’s roots: Reminds fans that the game started in small towns, not huge stadiums.
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Why the Game Feels Magical
The magic of the Field of Dreams Game comes from its atmosphere:
- The sight of players walking out of the corn is unforgettable.
- The setting feels like a dream where past and present overlap.
- Families watching together often feel emotional, as the game represents timeless traditions.
Fun Facts about the Field of Dreams Game
- The corn was 7 feet tall during the 2021 game.
- Tickets sold for $1,000+ each, making them some of the priciest in MLB history.
- The field’s dimensions match the White Sox’s home stadium.
- A small Iowa town became the center of the baseball universe for one night.
Lessons from the Field of Dreams Game
The event teaches us more than just baseball:
- Believe in Dreams: If you build something meaningful, people will come.
- Value Simplicity: You don’t need massive stadiums for magic.
- Family Bonds Last Forever: Baseball represents memories passed through generations.
Why It Will Be Remembered Forever
Even if it’s held only a handful of times, the Field of Dreams Game will be remembered as one of MLB’s most emotional events. The 2021 debut alone is considered one of the top baseball moments of the decade.
Like the movie itself, the event reminds us that baseball is more than a sport—it’s a story of hope, family, and timeless dreams.
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The Field of Dreams Game is a perfect example of how sports can merge with culture, memory, and storytelling. From its unforgettable debut in 2021 to its lasting emotional impact, it proves that baseball is not only about competition—it’s about connection.
As the movie line says: “If you build it, he will come.” MLB built this game, and millions came—and they will continue to come for years to come.
